Congratulations to the Morrison Coalition Government on its re-election.  This is great news for Tasmania and I look forward to working with new Member (presumptive) for Bass Bridget Archer and Member-elect for Braddon Gavin Pearce, together with the Tasmanian Liberal Senate team to advance Tasmania's interests.  A special congratulations to Senators Richard Colbeck and Jonathon Duniam on their promotions and also a big thank you to those who assisted in the campaign.

The 2019-2020 Hodgman Liberal Government Budget delivered last week focuses on maintaining the momentum in our economy and investing for growth.
 
Our thriving economy has made our State a more stable, safer and more confident place, with 13,000 more jobs and continuing trade and export growth.
 
As a result, the Budget delivers record funding for health, education and infrastructure. That means unprecedented spending on hospitals, schools, roads, housing and job-creating infrastructure projects state wide.
 
We are continuing to invest in the infrastructure our growing State needs, with a record $3.6 billion for job-creating infrastructure projects right around Tasmania.
 
A record $8.1 billion for health and hospitals will roll out over the next four years with $2 billion more than was spent in 2013-14. Over the past five years we have provided 130 new beds in our hospitals.
 
In the critical area of education we have earmarked $7.1 billion over four years for education and training including 250 new teachers, 80 extra teacher assistants and more support staff.

This budget ensures the Hodgman Liberal Government can maintain the momentum of strategic investment for the benefit of all Tasmanians.
 
For your information, below are links to the various initiatives in the Budget in my portfolio areas of Primary Industries and Water, Energy and Veterans:

• Energy
• Agriculture & Aquaculture
• Irrigation
• Biosecurity
• Veterans

Guy Barnett